Election campagne Suriname ‘officially’ started

A couple of hundreds of people dressed in the colors of their political party filled up the streets of Paramaribo, Suriname this past week. They were brought together by their leaders to accompany them in their registration for the general elections on the 25^th of May, 2010. The constitution of the country demands that once in every five years general elections should be held. President Ronald Venetiaan announced the date last October in the General Assembly. From that point on political parties started the preparations to participate at the elections.

In the past month new political combinations have been formed, while only one party decided to enter the elections on their own strength. Today (Sunday March 21^st) is officially the last day that parties can register. Every one of them tried to outdo each other. Soundtrucks, brassbands, even popular local artists were asked to join the crowds singing and yelling election songs. The police had to divert traffic to make sure the crowds were reaching the registration office safely.

After the leaders handed the official papers in, they joined their followers again and made their way to the party headquarters to continue their celebrations. In the next two months rallies will be held all over the country, to give voters reasons why to vote on their political believes.-.

tekst by Rosita Leeflang